Honda Civic Car INSURANCE

The Honda Civic

The new Honda Civic range was released in January 2006, replacing the successful older model. The range is available in both petrol and diesel engines, with prices starting from £13,030 for the 1.4 i-DSI S 5-door, and going up to £18,300 for the 2.2 i-CTDI EX 5-door. The model tested for this review was a 2.2 i-CDTi SE 5-door priced at £17,375 OTR.

The Civic is powered by a 2.2 i-CDTi 16V DOHC Common Rail Direct Injection Turbo diesel Engine, which produces 140 PS at 4000 rpm enabling it to do 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 127 mph. There is no doubt that this is a diesel engine, especially if the engine is cold, but it is the quietest in its class and the engine is never intrusive.

The new Honda Civic has been specially designed with the European market in mind. Honda engineers have carried out extensive chassis development using European drivers, and it shows. Even in 6th gear, the Civic never really feels out paced. It copes well with motorway driving and driving on B roads has never been more fun in a car. It takes a lot to unsettle the Civic, although the VSA (vehicle stability system) can be intrusive, it can be switched off. VSA is standard throughout the Civic model range, which is unusual for a vehicle manufacturer. So, hats off to Honda for not compromising on safety.

Civics also comprise of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking), EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist). These features are standard in the whole Civic range, ensuring the Honda Civic brakes reassuringly well.

From a practical point of view, the Civic sits quite low on the road, not ideal for drivers with poor mobility. Once in the car, you will find the seats very supportive, if a little on the hard side. The drivers seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel features tilt and telescopic adjustment, enabling you to find the optimum driving position. The cabin is spacious, with superb head and leg room in both the front and rear, the interior is driver focused. Even adults will find the rear spacious and comfortable.

The optional Satellite Navigation System gives you voice activated control of heating, audio and navigation tools, as well as incorporating mapping covering most of Europe and the whole of the UK. The whole system can be controlled with your own voice, and you'll never have to take your eyes off the road. The system is easy to use and pin point accurate. If you don't like the idea of voice activation, there are audio controls on the steering wheel.

The Civic also comprises a refrigerated and illuminated glove box, cigarette lighter/power source, climate control air-conditioning, electric power steering, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, front cup holders, front bottle holders in doors, front and rear electric windows, rear 12V power outlet, front map light, rear interior light and boot light.

The safety components in the Honda Civic are, as usual, second to none. Honda include the following features as standard on the 2.2 i-CDTi SE: Active head restraints, duel side and front SRS airbags, High level rear brake light, front seat belt pre-tensioners, side impact protection beams, 5x3 point seat belts, Honda deadlocks, visible VIN, remote keyless entry, central locking, ISOFix child seat restraint mechanism, drive-by-wire, headlight wipers, rear parcel shelf, lockable glove box, perimeter security alarm and interior and perimeter alarm.

Finally, the Honda Civic, like all Hondas comes with the standard and legendary 90,000 mile/3 year warranty (whichever comes first). The quality of materials used should prove hard wearing and durable in a vehicle of this price. It's good value for money and the residual values should prove strong. It is beautifully designed and superb to drive. It comes highly recommended.

Editions: Civic Type R - Civic IMA